The recent Salmonella outbreak linked to Gills Onions diced onion products has raised many questions and concerns.
With 73 reported illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and an active investigation across 22 states, consumers and businesses alike need to be informed and take appropriate measures.
Here's what you should know and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this recent outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning in Wisconsin and other states.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause an illness known as salmonellosis. The bacteria are usually found in contaminated food or water, and they can make you sick if ingested. It's a common cause of foodborne illness and can result in a range of symptoms.
Symptoms
The symptoms usually start six hours to six days after infection and can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
In some cases, the illness can require hospitalization. Salmonella can also cause longer-term complications like reactive arthritis, post-infectious IBS, and other issues.
If you suspect that you were exposed to Salmonella by a product from Gills Onions, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Who Is Affected by the Gills Onions Salmonella Outbreak?
Most of the Salmonella infections that have been reported to CDC occurred between August 2 and September 25, 2023. If you tested positive for Salmonella in that timeframe, your illness may have been caused by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Thompson.
Because diced onions are often used in other food items rather than eaten alone, those sickened with Salmonella Thompson may not be aware that they consumed the recalled Gills Onions products.
Which Products Are Recalled?
Gills Onions has voluntarily recalled several lots of its fresh diced onion products. The products come in various forms, such as diced yellow onions, diced celery and onions, diced mirepoix, and diced red onions.
You can find more details about the recall on the CDC's website.
Gills Onions was identified after officials used whole genome sequencing (WGS), which tipped investigators off to a common-source outbreak. According to CDC, “Investigators identified a sub-cluster of three people who reside in the same long-term care facility. Investigating a subcluster can sometimes help identify a food item eaten by all the sick people that could be the source of the outbreak.” After that, “FDA conducted a traceback investigation and determined that onions processed at Gills Onions were available at points of service where people ate prior to becoming ill. Meal records from the long-term care facilities showed that people were served diced onions from Gills Onions.”
What Should You Do?
For Consumers
- Check Your Kitchen: Look through your refrigerator and freezer for the recalled products.
- Dispose or Return: If you find any, either throw them away or return them to the store.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash items and surfaces that may have come into contact with these onions.
For Businesses
- Do Not Sell or Serve: Recalled products should be removed immediately.
- Sanitize: Wash and sanitize all items and surfaces that have been in contact with the recalled products.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Diarrhea and fever higher than 102 degrees F
- Diarrhea for more than three days
- Bloody diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration such as a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
For a successful legal claim, your doctor will generally need to take a stool sample that confirms Salmonella. The health department will review your medical record and food history. If the health department can link your illness to Gills Onions, call us. If you are not sure what caused your Salmonella illness but have been contacted by a health department or CDC, we may be able to determine if your infection is part of this outbreak.
Legal Aspects
While the primary concern is public health, affected individuals might have questions about their rights or what actions they can take.
In some cases, victims of foodborne illnesses may have the option to sue if they get food poisoning.
For further guidance, consult an attorney familiar with defective food products in Wisconsin.
With an active investigation underway, stay updated and take preventive measures. Your health and well-being are paramount, so take the time to stay informed and act accordingly.
Contact a Wisconsin Food Poisoning Lawyer
When you or a loved one faces illness due to Salmonella food poisoning and contaminated food products, you need to know what to do.
It's not just about immediate medical treatment. It's also about protecting your future.
This is where a qualified Wisconsin food poisoning lawyer can make a significant difference in a food poisoning case. Nicolet Law’s experienced food law team has handled claims for hundreds of Salmonella victims, including individuals sickened in prior outbreaks of Salmonella linked to onions recalled in 2020.
Free Consultation
We understand your financial and emotional stress. That's why we offer free consultations for individuals looking to understand their legal options. Our attorneys are ready to listen and advise you on the best course of action.
Contingency Fee Basis
Legal fees shouldn't be an added burden in these trying times. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay any attorney's fees unless we succeed in securing compensation for you.
This arrangement allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
How to Reach Us
Find out how you can get compensated for the harm caused by food contaminated with salmonella and other foodborne illnesses.
You can get in touch with a food safety lawyer online or by calling us at (715) 377-2141 for YOUR free case evaluation.
Don't hesitate. A timely legal consultation can protect your rights and avenues for seeking justice.